Top 9 baoting apps

1. Navionics Boating – GPS

Time and time again, when we speak to boaters and ask them what GPS app they’re using, Navionics Boating is the answer. Navionics is free to download and offers in-app purchases for charts and other upgrades, such as autorouting. 

2. NOAA SuperRes Radar HD

In order to enjoy the day safely on the water, a close eye must be kept on the weather. If you’re on iOS, in our experience the best radar app is NOAA’s SuperRes Radar. It has very hi-resolution and incredible accuracy. If you are on an Android device, RadarScope is just as good and accesses the same data. These apps are not only good for boating, but just great to have any time you want to see what kind of weather is rolling in.

3. Windfinder

Ideal for sailors, kitesurfers, windsurfers and more, this app allows you to see the wind, waves and weather across the globe in real time. 

4. USA Tides

If you boat and/or fish in saltwater, having the latest marine tide information at your fingertips is invaluable.

5. Animated Knots

Animated Knots by Grog is a broad teaching and reference tool for boaters and other hobbyists. With step-by-step instructions and, you guessed it, frame-by-frame animations, this app teaches you to tie knots at your own pace. 

6. FishingScout

A great resource and social app for anglers. The app allows you to upload photos of your latest catch, describe the conditions of how you caught it, study other locations where fish were caught, add friends, view their photos and more. Available for free on both iOS and Android.

7. Dockwa

The Dockwa app allows boaters to view marinas in their location, select a destination and request a slip or mooring, all from their mobile device. Once the marina approves the reservation, payment is processed seamlessly through the app. 

8. Swell Advantage

Swell Advantage is a social boating app that lets you see where your family and friends are out on the water, including where they are headed and their speed. Custom notifications inform you when family and friends get on the water. 

9. Boatrax

Boatrax lets you keep detailed records of your boat while capturing and sharing your moments with family and friends. You can share your location and photos with friends and the boating community.

Top boating fails

1) Launching the Boat Without Putting in the Plug

This is probably the most common mistake people make. Usually, the excitement of putting in your boat trumps the thought of putting in your plug. Here’s a simple rule to follow: don’t assume the plug is in and always double check. If you’re trailering your boat, we recommend putting your plug in an obvious location (tie it to your steering wheel for example) when taking it out so you can’t miss it when the time comes to drop it back in

.https://youtu.be/0YrtajEsBWo

2) Overloading the Boat

`Every boat has a capacity limit that is dictated by either the amount of people or weight limit. This mistake can be easily avoided by knowing what the boats capacity is and managing the people on board.

3) Boating Under the Influence

There is something to be said about a boat ride while enjoying your favorite beverage. However, there is a difference between doing that and being irresponsible. Similar to a car, you can’t operate a boat while intoxicated. Michigan’s legal blood alcohol limit while driving the boat is .08 or above. If you’re above that, you run the risk of getting a BUI (Boating Under the Influence). Stay safe!

https://youtu.be/TWnN7x91oKE